Using BHB with CAR-T therapy for lymphoma treatment

Preliminary Investigation of β-hydroxybutyrate Supplementation for Lymphoma Patients Receiving Anti-CD19 CAR T-cells

Not applicable Interventional Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine · NCT06610344

This study is testing if taking a supplement called BHB while getting CAR-T therapy for large B-cell lymphoma can be safe and help improve the treatment's effects on the body.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment5 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAbramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsCAR-T, CAR T
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Trial IDNCT06610344 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the safety and tolerability of β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) supplementation in patients undergoing treatment for large B-cell lymphoma with anti-CD19 CAR T-cells. Participants will receive oral BHB supplementation through HVMN Ketone-IQ while receiving standard CAR-T therapy. The study aims to assess whether BHB affects the gut microbiome and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with pathologically confirmed large B-cell lymphoma who are eligible for anti-CD19 CAR-T therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who are not eligible for CAR-T therapy or have contraindications to BHB supplementation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the effectiveness of CAR-T therapy for lymphoma patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the combination of BHB supplementation with CAR-T therapy is a novel approach, similar studies exploring metabolic interventions in cancer treatment have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age of 18 years or older
* History of pathologically-confirmed large B-cell lymphoma (LBCL)
* Planned treatment with a commercially available anti-CD19 CAR-T product (Yescarta or Kymriah)
* Eligible for and with adequate organ function (investigator discretion) and performance status (ECOG PS 2 or less) for standard of care, anti-CD19 CAR-T
* Not enrolled on a clinical trial of bridging therapy prior to CAR-T
* Patients must have a PET/CT scan (preferred), diagnostic CT scan, or MRI with at least one bi-dimensionally measurable lesion (≥ 1.5 cm for nodal lesions or ≥ 1cm for extra- nodal lesions in largest dimension by low-dose computerized tomography \[CT\] scan with FDG-uptake ≥ liver) documented prior to leukapheresis for CAR-T manufacturing
* Resolution of toxicities from prior therapy to a grade that does not contraindicate trial participation in the opinion of the investigator
* Can provide informed consent
* Willing to comply with all study procedures and available for the duration of the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subject is pregnant or breast feeding
* History of allergy to energy drinks
* History of inflammatory bowel disease
* History of type 1 diabetes mellitus or requirement for insulin
* History of chronic kidney disease with an eGFR \< 30 mL/min/1.73m2
* Additional second primary malignancy for which the subject is receiving active therapy or that will impede the ability of the investigator to assess lymphoma response

Where this trial is running

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Large B-cell Lymphoma
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.